Data-driven news site Vocativ has laid off its writing staff as it refocuses to an all-video format.

The site, launched four years ago and supported by Israeli-born entrepreneur Mati Kochavi, has gained a following for its coverage, supported by investigation of the "deep web" to get ahead of the news and upcoming events.

Vocativ will "shift to an all-video format," according to a memo from management to the staff, posted on the news site. "We are tripling our investment in video and establishing a dedicated unit to create compelling video content, from mini docs to docu-series and feature-length films."

The news outlet, which has offices in New York and Tel Aviv, already has video partnerships with MSNBC, Discovery and TLC and its Dark Net half-hour documentary series just finished its second season on Showtime.

Key art for the Showtime documentary series Dark Net.(Photo: Courtesy of Showtime)

New programming and partnerships will be revealed in the coming weeks, the memo says, with Vocativ content to also be distributed via social media and Net TV services. "We believe this focus on video will be the most important strategic shift for our business since its inception."

Many of the editorial staff affected -- a combination of full-time and contract employees -- took to Twitter, noting that experienced journalists were available for hire. A Google doc file with contact information for more than 20 reporters, editors, graphics, designers and other journalists had been posted.

"On the plus side, I feel like you haven't truly made it in this whole media thing until you've been part of a mass layoff," tweeted Alasdair Wilkins, a former associate editor at Vocativ.

Vocativ forwarded a statement to USA TODAY: "Since its founding in late 2013, Vocativ has pioneered a new form of digital journalism using our proprietary technology to tell award-winning stories across a range of formats including on our website, social media and television. As the industry evolves, we are undertaking a strategic shift to focus exclusively on video content that will be distributed via social media and other platforms. The tremendous success we’ve experienced since our launch in both long- and short-form video has positioned us well for this evolution.”